Former British Marine president and ICOMIA vice chair David Lewin dies

David Lewin, former president of British Marine and former vice president of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), has died following an illness.

His wife, Melanie Lewin, announced the news on LinkedIn, confirming that Lewin passed away peacefully over the weekend.

Tributes have been made across the industry for Lewin, who served as president of British Marine from 1998 to 2001, during which he represented the interests of the UK recreational marine sector. He also spent many years on the committee of the Marine Trades Association.

Following his presidency at British Marine, Lewin was vice president of ICOMIA from 2002 to 2007, supporting the development of the recreational boating industry and international cooperation across the marine sector.

Lewin worked in the fashion industry before entering the marine industry with Splashdown, which was chosen to make the clothing for the Victory America’s Cup Challenge in 1983. Splashdown was sold in 1995 to Chemring, and Lewin left the firm in 1996. He then went on to run the UK arm of Compass24.com, before conducting a management buyout of Flag Paints.

His time at Flag coincided with more than 20 years as the UK representative for Naviline Industries / Malvaux Marine and nine years as the UK agent for lifejacket manufacturer Secumar. He later served as chairman of Hudson Wight Performance Sailware from 2015 to 2025.

In 2010, David founded David Lewin Consulting, providing marketing services to the marine industry and drawing on his extensive network of industry contacts.

From 2020 to 2025, he was also a member of the Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA), an advisory group serving the marine industry.

In a statement, British Marine said Lewin “made a significant contribution to both the UK and international recreational marine industry” through his leadership and long-standing involvement in industry organisations.

“Beyond his many professional achievements, David was widely respected and admired for his warmth, generosity and friendship,” British Marine notes. “He leaves behind a lasting legacy, having inspired and supported countless colleagues across the marine industry over many years.”

ICOMIA says that Lewin “will be greatly missed, and his contribution to the marine industry will be remembered with gratitude and respect.”

Condolences to Lewin’s wife Melanie, his family, friends and colleagues.